The Games are finally here, and we have enjoyed a day of Olympic Torch glory!
It feels like its been a lifetime in the making right?
What makes these Olympics extra special is that for all the debate, a concerted effort has been made by organisers to ensure that this truly is an Olympiad for the people.
The existence of somewhereto_ , a Cultural Olympiad project is a shining example of this, if we do say so ourselves. The torchbearers are another example of the efforts to make the Games as inclusive as possible.
Today, we went absolutely torch mental! This morning, friend of somewhereto_; editorial assistant at Live; Young Ambassador for Lambeth; and all around amazing person Shineze Henry ran along the Old Kent Road. Here's what she had to say:
"I got chosen to be an Olympic torchbearer by Livity, a very influential marketing brand, because of my inspirational story. A few years ago I got kicked out of school but I chose to overcome that by becoming a key member of Live Magazine, providing support to other young people whilst also being a young career to my mum.
Carrying the torch means so much to me. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I mean … it’s such a privilege to be carrying the Olympic torch"
What amazing young woman. You might remember a few weeks back, that Live editor Celeste Houlker also ran with the torch. Today, after seeing Shineze and watching the torch (and its accompanying mini festival) take to the Brixton streets just outside our offices, Celeste wrote that alongside the athletes that we all love so much, we should "keep in the mind the many hands that it past through who all bring something special to their communities everyday without receiving a medal at the end".
So this one's for you, Merry Olympics folks!